In this 8 week online course we come together in a small supportive group from the comfort of our own home, to explore meditation and mindfulness and how we can incorporate to benefit our lives. Each week we will explore a different aspect of mindful and meditative practices, and assess for ourselves the suitability of different approaches (for example mindfulness of body, breathing methods, working with thoughts and emotions, sound meditation, open focused meditation, yoga nidra etc). The course will also address the issue of mental fatigue and discuss the role of nature meditation and mindfulness in recovery.

This class will be delivered online via the online platform Zoom. Enrolling students need to ensure they have an email, a reliable internet connection, microphone/speakers and access to a tablet, smartphone or computer.

PLANNED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand how the latest mindfulness research links brain function, resilience and stress recovery.
2. Have practical experience of how mindfulness can be used to assist self regulation, balance and flourishing.
3. Know the difference between direct and indirect attention and how to foster resilient cognitive focus through attention restoration practices.
4. Understand connection between mindfulness, thought-action spirals and positive psychology in order to foster positive growth.
5. Access a range of different meditations and practices to use in life.